How to Add Page Numbers to PDF on Windows Free (2026)

Need to add page numbers to PDF files on Windows? This comprehensive guide shows you multiple free methods to add professional page numbers using Windows 10/11 tools and online services.

Why Windows Users Need Page Numbering

• No built-in tool: Windows PDF viewer cannot add page numbers
• Professional documents: Required for business and academic work
• Free alternatives: Avoid expensive Adobe Acrobat subscription
• Quick solutions: Need fast, easy methods

Method 1: Use PdfVala in Browser (Recommended - Free)

The easiest way to add page numbers on Windows is using PdfVala in any browser - no software installation, completely free, with full customization.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Open Edge, Chrome, or Firefox on Windows
2. Visit PdfVala.com/add-page-numbers
3. Click Choose File or drag PDF from File Explorer
4. Customize settings:
   • Position: Top/Bottom, Left/Center/Right
   • Format: 1, 2, 3 or Page 1 or i, ii, iii
   • Font size and color
   • Starting number
   • Page range
5. Preview on sample pages
6. Click Add Page Numbers
7. Download numbered PDF to Downloads folder

Method 2: Using Microsoft Word

Convert PDF to Word, Add Numbers, Export:

1. Right-click PDF in File Explorer
2. Open with Microsoft Word
3. Click OK when Word prompts about conversion
4. Wait for conversion to complete
5. Insert tab then Page Number
6. Choose position and format
7. File then Save As then PDF
8. Save as new PDF file

Pros: Free if you have Microsoft Office

Cons: May lose formatting during PDF to Word conversion, not ideal for complex layouts

Method 3: Using Adobe Acrobat Pro

If You Have Adobe Acrobat Pro:

1. Open PDF in Adobe Acrobat Pro
2. Tools then Edit PDF
3. Header and Footer then Add
4. Click Insert Page Number
5. Configure position and format
6. Set page range if needed
7. Click OK to apply
8. Save file

Cost: $19.99/month or $239.88/year subscription

Method 4: Using Free Windows Software

PDFtk Free (Command Line):

1. Download PDFtk Free from official website
2. Install on Windows
3. Open Command Prompt
4. Use commands to add page numbers

Note: Requires command line knowledge. Not beginner-friendly.

LibreOffice Draw:

1. Download LibreOffice (free)
2. Open PDF in LibreOffice Draw
3. Insert then Fields then Page Number
4. Export as PDF

Limitation: May alter PDF formatting

Comparison of Windows Methods

Tips for Windows Users

1. Use Keyboard Shortcuts:

• Ctrl+O to open files
• Ctrl+S to save
• Ctrl+Shift+S to save as
• Windows+E to open File Explorer

2. Organize Files:

• Keep original PDF in separate folder
• Name numbered version clearly (e.g., document-numbered.pdf)
• Use Windows Search to find files quickly

3. Preview Before Finalizing:

• Open in Edge or Adobe Reader to verify
• Check all pages have numbers
• Verify position is consistent
• Test print if needed

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Windows 10/11 add page numbers to PDF?

No. Windows does not have a built-in tool to add page numbers to PDF. The built-in PDF viewer (Edge) can only view PDFs. Use PdfVala, Microsoft Word, or Adobe Acrobat instead.

What is the best free way to add page numbers on Windows?

PdfVala is the best free option. It works in any browser without installation, offers full customization, and processes files locally for privacy. No subscription or watermarks.

Does Microsoft Word add page numbers to PDF?

Word can add page numbers, but you must first convert the PDF to Word format, add numbers, then export back to PDF. This may alter formatting. PdfVala is better for preserving layout.

Can I add page numbers to scanned PDFs on Windows?

Yes. Page numbers are added as an overlay on top of existing content, so it works with both text-based and scanned PDFs.

Conclusion

While Windows lacks built-in PDF page numbering, users have several free alternatives. PdfVala offers the best combination of ease, features, and privacy without requiring software installation or expensive subscriptions. For simple documents, Microsoft Word works, but PdfVala is recommended for preserving original formatting.

Related Guides:

• How to Add Page Numbers to PDF
• How to Merge PDF on Windows
• How to Compress PDF on Windows